There’s never enough time in the day for the Pioneers

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Knew most Marmonte League boys’ basketball teams were on a break this week, studying for finals, so I figured it was a good opportunity to catch up with Christian Aurand of Simi Valley and see how the coach was spending his free time. He was busy working, of course, but took the time to talk while driving to scout the Mayfair and Bellflower game tonight.

His assistants, Ryan Moore and Chris Garton, were doing the same, battling traffic in an effort to get a glimpse of the J Serra and Orange Lutheran matchup. Guess there’s no rest for the weary. Perhaps that explains why the Pioneers, ranked No. 8 by The Times, are in the midst of their best season in recent memory. The players are doing their job. And so is the coaching staff.

‘We never stop thinking about basketball, it’s just something that comes with the territory around here,’’ Aurand said. ‘Everyone approaches each day with a workman-like effort and we’re starting to see the results. Winning breeds confidence. But, hey, we know that we haven’t won anything yet. This thing is far from over.’’

Far from over, indeed. The Pioneers face crosstown rival Royal on Friday and beyond that, five games remain in the regular season before the Southern Section Division I-AA playoffs begin in mid-February. Can’t imagine Simi Valley overlooking anyone between now and then. There’s too much at stake. This program has put in too much work.

-- Sean Ceglinsky